Saudi airlines Riyadh Air and Saudia have announced additional flights to Pakistan to help passengers affected by flight disruptions at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
The arrangements will assist travellers whose flights were cancelled following the airport’s temporary closure.
The extra flights will connect Jeddah with several Pakistani cities, including Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar.
Riyadh Air has announced additional services between Jeddah and Lahore and between Jeddah and Islamabad on Wednesday (today).
The airline also plans to operate another flight between Jeddah and Lahore on Thursday, October 22.
Meanwhile, Saudia has decided to operate two additional flights serving Peshawar and Islamabad.
The first Saudia flight is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, while the date of the second flight will be announced later.
However, the airlines have not provided detailed departure times or confirmed seat availability.
Who can book the additional flights?
Riyadh Air stated that the extra services are mainly for passengers whose flights were cancelled during the ongoing disruption.
However, travellers holding tickets issued by other airlines may also be eligible to use these flights if they were affected.
This arrangement depends on the number of available seats.
The airline warned that capacity is limited and advised passengers to check its official website for booking information and further instructions.
Travellers are advised to confirm their eligibility, flight schedule and ticket arrangements before heading to the airport.
Reportedly, flight operations at Riyadh airport had resumed with restrictions, although passengers were still facing travel difficulties.
The additional flights are expected to provide relief to Pakistani travellers who have been waiting for alternative connections.
Pakistani airline launches direct flights to Saudi Arabia
Previously, Pakistani airline Fly Jinnah launched direct and economical flights to Saudi Arabia.
Fly Jinnah is already operating several international routes, including flights to Jeddah and Dammam in Saudi Arabia.
It is generally considered a low cost airline. It operates as Pakistan’s low-cost carrier through a joint venture with UAE-based airline Air Arabia. Fly Jinnah was officially founded in 2021, as a joint venture between Pakistan’s Lakson Group and the UAE’s Air Arabia Group. In 2024, it launched routes to the UAE and Saudi Arabia).
